DEALS

Take your shot at local photography contest

Pasco Camera Exchange, located in downtown New Port Richey, is hosting its 9th annual photography contest. Winners will get gift certificates to the store and all entries will be displayed at the Cotee River Seafood & Blues Festival April 26-28. DAYLINA MILLER/STAFF

Pasco Camera Exchange is seeking both budding and professional photographers to compete in its 2013 photography contest.

Pasco Camera Exchange, known for its wide variety of camera and equipment, started the contest eight years ago to give local high school students the opportunity to practice skills learned in their photography classes.

Jim and Annette Smetzer opened Pasco Camera Exchange in 1995. In 2009, the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce named Pasco Camera Exchange its Small Business of the Year Award winner.

The contest used to be held in the fall but the Smetzers moved it to April to allow students plenty of time to learn new skills. Photographers can submit up to three photos total in two categories: people and nature.

There is a $2 entry fee per photo for students in elementary, middle and high school, and a $4 entry fee per photo for adults.

Jim Smetzer said that the Chasco Fiesta, a nine-day community festival primarily held in downtown New Port Richey, is a great opportunity for taking photos. This year’s Chasco Fiesta begins Friday.

“I’m always impressed by the ‘people’ category,” Jim said. “Some of the facial expressions people capture and the colorful headdresses from the Native American event are wonderful.”

Photo entries will be displayed at the Cotee River Seafood & Blues Festival, sponsored by Greater New Port Richey Main Street. The 2013 edition will take place April 26, 27 and 28.

First- and second-place winners in the photo contest will be chosen in each category and age range, totaling eight winners.

Winners will be announced on April 27, from the main stage in Sims Park.

First place winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to Pasco Camera Exchange and second place winners will receive a $25 certificate. To enter, you must fill out the application form, available at the store, and return it to the store with your entries by April 19.

Photos must be 5-by-7 or 8-by-10 and matted or mounted but not framed, and taken after Jan. 12, 2012. The official entry form must be filled out and attached to the back of each photo.

Entry forms are available at Pasco Camera Exchange, 5405 Main Street. For information, call (727) 844-0904.

Tom Jackson

Tom Jackson’s baseball card — if he had one — would report he throws left, writes right. In his columns and blog, “The Right Stuff,” southpaw Jackson provides insight into the evolving human condition from a distinctly conservative point of view.Column | Blog